If you break the term orofacial apart, you can easily see that it is any pain that it is composed of oral and facial – that is, any pain of the face and mouth. This is not an unusual problem. In fact, 22% of U.S. residents reported having some kind of orofacial pain during a period of six months.
The most frequent orofacial pain is a toothache. The second most frequent arises from a condition called Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). Here the cartilage and disk which cushions the jaw joint has eroded or been injured in some way. This means jaw pain. As much as 10-15% of the population has TMD. Oral facial pain can also come from such conditions as oral cancer, headaches, Burning Mouth Syndrome, or Cracked Tooth Syndrome, as well as many others.
If you suffer from a toothache, it may be because of a cavity or an infection to the root of your tooth. You may need to visit Family & Implant Dentistry to identify the exact cause. Possible treatments include a dental filling, crown or root canal. Many things can also cause and aggravate TMD, such as stress, injury, or bruxism. Depending on your unique case, Dr. Josh Walker may recommend such treatments as sleeping with a night guard, physical therapy, medication, meditation or counseling.
There are many home remedies you can try. Place a cold gel pack along your cheek to reduce inflammation. You can take an anti-inflammatory over-the-counter medicine such as ibuprofen. Keep in mind that these remedies will only provide temporary relief
If you have any concerns or would like to be treated for your TMD or toothache, please call our office in Manhattan, Kansas, at 785-539-5949 today!